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DONE DEAL: Nabil Bentaleb 'very happy' to make Newcastle move

Newcastle have signed Schalke midfielder Nabil Bentaleb on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent.

The Algeria international joined the German club from Tottenham initially on loan, before signing a four-year deal in February 2017.

He made 66 appearances for Spurs in two and a half seasons and has scored 19 goals in 97 games for Schalke.

"I'm very happy to come back to the Premier League," the 25-year-old said.

"The project really interested me. I wanted absolutely to come back to the Premier League. The coach had some trust in me and the club also - I saw that straight away - and I think it's the perfect move for me."

Bentaleb was disciplined by Schalke and removed from their first-team squad in March 2019 and has not played for them this season.

"The fact that he's played in the Premier League before helps, because we know that he can play and knows what the demands of the Premier League are," said Magpies boss Steve Bruce.

"He's gone from the Premier League to Schalke and played in the Champions League as well, so we're delighted to get him. It's a great signing."